OTTAWA, Ontario, Nov. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Skills/Competences Canada (SCC) is proud to announce Home Hardware Stores Limited as the title sponsor of the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) taking place May 28 and 29 at the Enercare Center in Toronto, Ontario. This national partnership will strengthen efforts to inspire youth across Canada to explore rewarding and in-demand careers in skilled trades and technology—critical sectors that fuel our economy and society.
“Partnering with Home Hardware Stores Limited will help us highlight the incredible opportunities available in skilled trades and technology careers,” said Sean Thorson, CEO of Skills/Compétences Canada. “SCNC is our premier event, attracting thousands of young people across Canada each year and helping them imagine a future based on skills, innovation and pride in craftsmanship.”
Home Hardware Stores Limited's partnership with Skills/Compétences Canada, Canada's largest dealer-owned home improvement retailer and one of the country's largest building materials distributors, will highlight the importance of the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) and its impact in creating the skilled workforce of tomorrow. At SCNC 2026, Home Hardware will bring an interactive Try-A-Trade® and Technology session to the event, where students can roll up their sleeves and get hands-on with real tools, materials and techniques used by trading professionals. The company will also be featured throughout the event – from the opening and closing ceremonies to live interviews and an exciting 'Skills for Success' on-stage presentation – inspiring the next generation to discover rewarding, skilled careers.
“Home Hardware is proud to expand our partnership with Skills Canada,” said Ian White, President and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Limited. “Serving as the title sponsor of the Skills Canada 2026 National Competition reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening Canada's skilled trades sector and supporting the next generation of workers. Through our PRO Contractor program, dealer-led workforce development and long-standing partnership with Skills Canada, we are helping to grow the skilled workforce needed to achieve Canada's national housing development goals.”
Each year, more than 500 of Canada's top students and apprentices showcase their talents in more than 40 skilled trades and technologies at SCNC. The event brings together industry, education, workforce and government to support the next generation of skilled workers.
With approximately 257,000 professionals expected to retire by 2029, the need for skilled workers has never been greater. Partnerships like this one between Home Hardware and Skills/Compétences Canada are key to creating a resilient, future-ready workforce that keeps Canada strong.
About Skills/Competences Canada
Skills Canada was founded in 1989 as a national not-for-profit organization with member organizations in each province/territory that work with employers, educators, the workforce and governments to promote skilled trade and technology careers among Canadian youth. His unique position among private and public sector partners allows him to work to meet Canada's future skilled workforce needs while helping young people find rewarding careers. Skills Canada offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trade and technology competitions to hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trade awareness programs. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. Skills/Competencies Canada is a Canadian member organization of WorldSkills.
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About Home Appliance Stores Limited
Founded over 60 years ago in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Home Hardware Stores Limited is Canada's and the country's largest dealer-owned and operated home furnishings retailer, with more than 1,000 stores operating under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Center and Home Furniture brands. The appliance dealer network improves life at home by delivering a superior home improvement retail experience characterized by helpful advice and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Home Hardware Stores Limited is recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies and one of Canada's Top Employers. More detailed information about the company can be obtained at homehardware.ca.
Media Contact: Michelle Rogerson, 613-266-4771 [email protected].
The photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50d6e923-40ee-4615-85ed-760b522a15ad
